PRIDE IN PLACE, CO-OPERATION AND DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL Robert Owen Day – Online Event – Transforming the Declining High Street 15 page handout from 16th May 2026 workshop event

June 6, 2026 by David Smith

Pride in Place – Hand Out A4 V1.1 

Across the UK, the Government’s £5bn Pride in Place (PiP) programme represents one of the most significant place-based regeneration and community renewal initiatives in recent decades. The programme aims to provide long-term investment into communities considered “left behind”, with neighbourhood boards and community participation placed at the centre of delivery.

Yet the key question remains: Can communities genuinely shape and own the future of their places, or will Pride in Place become another centrally managed regeneration programme operating under the language of participation?

This publication for the Robert Owen Day 2026 online event explores why co-operation, co-operatives, equality, inclusion and democratic participation are essential if Pride in Place is to achieve lasting and meaningful change.

About David Smith

A lifelong co-operative activist at all levels of the movement, including the Co-op Group Main Board. Public service includes Government Food Adviser; UK Healthcare Regulator. David founded the first Community Law Centre in Wales and directed the first EC funded Wales Anti-Poverty Programme: pioneering co-operative & place making community initiatives: including local Co-op Development Agencies, Care & Repair, and multipurpose Social Care Co-operatives. Founded Cardiff Student Community Action, Welsh Food Alliance & Wales Progressive Co-operators. Robert Owen Memorial Museum Trustee. Director, Sheffield Co-op Development Group. Former Lecturer, Gwent Tertiary College. Graduate Ruskin College, Oxford and UC Cardiff + PGCE, MA (European Human Resource Management) Keele; Professional Food & Management qualifications.
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